The Oppression of the Powerless: An Overview of Theme in William Blake’s London Many are unaware of the systematic abuse that occurs in society. Through the eyes of a young vagabond, Blake uncovers the truths of maltreatment that take place towards the defenceless by the influential powers in society. He highlights those who suffer at the hand of these abusive powers, such as the “chimney sweeper[]s” (9), the “harlot[]s” (13) and the “soldier[]s”(11). As the speaker wanders through the streets of inner city London, he tells of the repression he sees in those he meets as they endure the abuse of those who are supposed to be improving society. Among those criticized for their heedless actions are the church, the state and the crown. Blake condemns the actions of those who contribute to the injustice and warns of the consequences should it …show more content…
The poem begins as the speaker “wander[s] through each chartered street” (1) and past the “charted Thames”(2). The word “chartered” has been used to characterize the streets and the river, which indicates that the city and nature are mapped out and controlled by commercial interests (2). Even the river Thames is “chartered” showing that nature is also being exploited (2). He “marks” (4) signs of “weakness [and] woe”(4) “in every face [he] meet[s]”(3). As he passes along the way he notices the distress in the faces if the people, due to restraints that have been imposed upon them by the powers of London causing them to feel “weak” which in turn makes them feel “woe[ful]”, emphasizing the widespread effect that repression has on these people (4). Both nature and those who are taken advantage are “mark[ed]” or owned by authoritative institutions as their only purpose is to serve them. Instead of being treated with respect, they are exploited for the personal gain of